The provincial health authorities in Sindh, which is in the country’s southeast, have issued a “high alert” for the Nipah virus, which may kill up to 74 percent of patients as the nation struggles with dengue and conjunctivitis outbreaks.
The Sindh Health Department issued an advisory, advising citizens and medical professionals to exercise caution. The Sindh Health Department urges everyone to take precautions in light of the virus’ recent breakout in India.
Despite the absence of any Nipah virus cases, Sindh’s director of health raises the alarm because authorities worry that the rate of infection may increase.
The health department sent instructions to concerned staff to promptly send samples to labs for processing and upload data to dashboards while keeping patients under quarantine.
It recommended people wash fruits before eating them because it claimed the zoonotic virus was spread via bat-infected fruits.
How to avoid contracting the Nipah virus
Here are some precautions against the Nipah virus.
Keep away from animals that are infected.
Animals who are ill or have been found dead shouldn’t be handled or eaten.
As bats are considered to be the natural hosts of the Nipah virus, avoid coming into contact with them.
Utilise proper hygiene.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, particularly after handling animals or going to locations where the virus might be present. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol.
Steer clear of raw date palm sap.
Raw date palm sap mixed with bat urine or saliva has been proven to carry the Nipah virus when consumed. Before ingestion, make sure the palm sap has been thoroughly handled and boiled.
Employ PPE (personal protective equipment).
Use the proper PPE, such as masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles, to prevent contact with bodily fluids if you are a healthcare professional or are in close proximity to people who have the Nipah virus.
Quarantine
Follow the quarantine and isolation recommendations made by health officials if someone in your home has the Nipah virus or is suspected of having it. This will help stop the virus from spreading.
Encourage good respiratory habits.
Encourage people to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with tissues or their elbow. Use proper disposal for used tissues.
Consult a doctor if you experience any symptoms.
If you have recently been in an area where the Nipah virus is known to exist and you have symptoms such as a fever, headache, dizziness, or respiratory problems, you should consult a doctor right away.
Observe travel advice.
Follow travel advisories and think about delaying unnecessary travel to impacted areas if there is a Nipah virus outbreak in that area.
